Thomas Nilsen

Russian state news agency misuses Barents Observer in fake news story

No, Ria Novosti, we have never pointed the finger of blame at Ukraine as the source of a January radiation leak.
March 09, 2017

30 years old sub with 64 nuclear warheads ready for re-launch

Russia continues to improve the fleet of ballistic missile submarines.
March 07, 2017

Russia, Norway border traffic up 18%

Stronger ruble gives boost to cross-border shopping.
March 06, 2017

Larger portion of Russia’s nukes will be on subs in Arctic waters

The strategic importance of the Northern fleet’s ballistic missile submarines will increase in the years to come.
March 03, 2017

Norway kicks off exercise in Finnmark

British and American forces are integrated when the Armed Forces test ability to maneuver across great distances in Arctic winter.
March 03, 2017

Kola nuclear power plant up for large-scale modernization

All four reactors to be disconnected for repair in periods throughout 2017.
March 03, 2017

Norway moves military intelligence away from Russian border

The secret service reduces personnel and activities in the border town of Kirkenes.
March 01, 2017

Norway unveils most advanced research vessel to sail the Arctic Ocean

R/V «Kronprins Haakon» rolled out of the construction hall and launched. Northbound voyage set for October.
February 28, 2017

Russian navy tug from Syrian war to joint exercise with Norway

Russian Northern fleet and Norwegian navy to sail from «senseless escort» to joint Barents Sea exercise.
February 27, 2017

More people now live in Oslo than in the rest of Norway north of Trondheim

Northern Norway had a population growth in 2016, but there is still plenty of space for more residents.
February 23, 2017

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Thomas Nilsen is editor of the Independent Barents Observer with its news desk located in Kirkenes, northern Norway. He has a long experience in media cooperation across the borders in the high north of Europe, both as radio- and newspaper reporter all the way back to the days before the breakup of the Soviet Union. 

Nilsen has been editor of Barents Observer since 2009.

He was Deputy Head of the Norwegian Barents Secretariat from 2004-2009. Until 2003, he worked 12 years for the Bellona Foundation’s Russian study group, focusing on nuclear safety issues and general environmental challenges in northern areas and the Arctic. 

Thomas has been traveling extensively across northern Scandinavia and Arctic Russia since the late 80’s working for different media and organizations. He is also a guide at sea and in remote locations in the Russian north for various groups and regularly lectures on security issues, environmental and socio-economic development.

Thomas Nilsen studied at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Mobile: +47-90573143

thomas@thebarentsobserver.com
@nilsen.thomas